Arkansas is home to more than 222,000 veterans, about 10% of the adult civilian population. Nationally, veterans comprise about 6 percent of the population, making Arkansas attractive for servicemen and women looking to find their forever home once their military service ends.
Arkansas’ quality of life is unbeatable. We live up to our moniker “The Natural State” thanks to our 52 state parks ready to be explored. Arts lovers will enjoy our 400+ museums and galleries, 17 symphony orchestras and eight ballet companies. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, was named one of the top art museums in the world. Or maybe you’d rather play a round on one of our 200+ golf courses, fish in our 9,000 miles of rivers and streams, or hunt wild game on the Grand Prairie like Ernest Hemingway and John Wayne.
But there are also more practical reasons to make the move to Arkansas:
ACCESS TO MILITARY MEDICAL CARE: The 19th Medical Group at the Little Rock Air Force Base and a network of hospitals in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System provide care for current and former military and their dependents. And, not only that, the VA Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark. was tanked No. 3 in the country on the list of “Top 25 Best VA Hospitals” by VA Claims Insider based on patient satisfaction. Because of the strong military in Arkansas, civilian healthcare facilities and pharmacies are familiar with military insurance including TRICARE.
LOW COST OF LIVING: Arkansas has one of the lowest costs of living in the nation. That means your retirement income stretches further thanks to affordable housing, groceries, and utilities.
FAVORABLE STATE TAX POLICIES: Military retirement pay, along with military pay for active and reserve components, is exempt from Arkansas state income taxes. Arkansas also has other tax benefits for military personnel with some service-related injuries.
LICENSURE PORTABILITY: Easily transition from a military to a civilian career and keep working in your field. Arkansas supports veterans and their families in making licensure portability a straightforward transition.
FREE TUITION: The Arkansas Department of Higher Education can provide free tuition and fees at any state supported college, university, technical school or vocational school. Continue in your field, start a new career path, or embark on personal growth. It’s all up to you.